A pair of brand-new Pokémon games were released for the Nintendo Switch on November 15, and they’ve introduced a whole new generation of Pokémon to fans.

„Pokémon Sword“ and „Pokémon Shield“ mark the eighth generation of Pokémon games, and bring the total number of Pokémon to more than 1,000 when taking different forms into account.

Like the original Pokémon titles, „Sword“ and „Shield“ are role-playing games. Players will adventure through the brand-new Galar region, capturing Pokémon and battling other trainers on their way to becoming the Pokémon champion.

Players will choose from one of three new starter Pokémon — Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble — at the start of their adventure and encounter hundreds more Pokémon as they explore Galar. Nintendo has revealed about 25 new Pokémon so far, and there are sure to be dozens more by time the games arrive in November.

However, „Sword and Shield“ will be the first main Pokémon games not to include every species of Pokémon in the prior games. While many fan-favorites like Pikachu and Charizard are confirmed to return, players will spend more time getting familiar with the new species of Pokémon introduced in the Galar region.

Some of the older Pokémon, like Ponyta and Weezing, have unique Galarian forms with new abilities while other classic Pokémon like Farfetch’d and Zigzagoon have new evolutions.

„Pokemon Sword and Shield“ will also include a new ability called „Gigantamax“ that makes certain Pokémon huge. Some Gigatamax Pokémon will change forms completely, and they’ll have access to super-powered attacks called G-Max moves. However, Gigantamax only lasts for a few turns in battle, so it’s not a full fledged evolution.

Not every Pokémon can Gigantamax — you’ll have to catch Gigantamax Pokémon in special raid battles in the wild areas of the Galar region. That means even if you catch a normal Charizard, you’ll have to catch a new one in a raid battle to unlock the Gigantamax form.

Here are all of the confirmed new Pokémon we’ve seen in „Pokémon Sword and Shield“ so far, with their official descriptions:

Every new Pokémon in the newly released ‚Pokémon Sword and Shield‘ that we already know about, from Alcremie to Mr. Rime slides

Every new Pokémon in the newly released ‚Pokémon Sword and Shield‘ that we already know about, from Alcremie to Mr. Rime slides

Grookey, the Chimp Pokémon (Grass)

„The stick held by Grookey was originally from the forest where troops of Grookey live, but it’s no longer a simple branch. It has gained special powers after being exposed to the energy within Grookey’s body.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Grookey can share its energy with plants.

„Its green fur creates energy from sunlight. Wilted flowers and leaves have been seen to regain their color when Grookey drums with its stick near them.“

„Pokemon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Scorbunny, the Rabbit Pokémon (Fire)

„Scorbunny uses its powerful legs to run and jump around its opponents, confusing and disorienting them. The soles of its feet can become very hot, and Scorbunny can kick opponents to damage and burn them, too!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Scorbunny's can increase its heart rate with its "fire sac."

„Scorbunny has a fire sac in its chest, which contains viscous fire energy. If Scorbunny is able to increase its heart rate and body temperature by running around and warming up properly, the true power of its fire energy will be awakened and its physical capabilities will greatly increase.“

„Pokemon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Sobble's tears force everyone around it to start crying, too.

„Sobble’s tears are capable of making others cry. This effect is so strong, it is said that its tears are as potent as 100 onions. If Sobble feels threatened, it will start to bawl and spread its tears around the area, causing everyone around it to start crying uncontrollably. Sobble will then use this distraction as a chance to escape.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Sobble, the Water Lizard Pokémon (Water)

„When Sobble touches water, its body changes its pattern and color, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. Sobble is a bit timid, and so if it gets nervous or embarrassed, it will secrete the water within its body like sweat and disappear into the surroundings.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Zamazenta, the legendary Pokémon on the cover of "Pokémon Shield"

„Zamazenta’s regal and majestic movements overwhelm any opponents that dare face it. Its body is covered in what seems to be a shield.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Zacian, the legendary Pokémon on the cover of "Pokémon Sword"

„Zacian attacks so gracefully that its movements can even captivate its opponents. It holds what appears to be a sword in its mouth.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Mr. Rime, the Comedian Pokémon (Fairy/Ice)

„It’s amusing movements make it very popular. It releases its psychic power from the pattern on its belly.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Corviknight, the Raven Pokémon (Flying/Steel)

„It is said that Corviknight is the strongest Pokémon living in the skies of the Galar region. It can often be seen fearlessly soaring through the air. Many say that any Pokémon foolish enough to challenge Corviknight are sent running with just a sharp glare and cry from this fearsome Pokémon.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Players can use Corviknight as a flying taxi to travel between towns.

„Corviknight possess superb flying skills and high intelligence. Because of this, many of them work for the company called Galar Taxi, helping transport people from town to town.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gigantamax Corviknight (Flying/Steel)

„Corviknight uses its massive wings to catch updrafts created by Gigantamax energy to hover in the air while it battles. The armor on its body has been reinforced, so attacks from Pokémon on the ground barely have any effect on it!

Gigantamax energy has caused the armor covering Corviknight’s wings to separate and become blade birds, capable of flying independently. Corviknight launches these blade birds at the target, using them to slash its opponents.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Sirfetch'd, Wild Duck Pokémon (Fighting)

„The Farfetch’d of the Galar region can evolve into Sirfetch’d after experiencing many battles. They are calm and collected, and they make a point of always battling fairly. They are so noble in battle that they are often chosen as a motif for paintings. Of particular note is a painting —famous in the Galar region — that depicts a duel between a Sirfetch’d and an Escavalier.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Sirfetch'd is the only Pokémon that can learn the new move Meteor Assault.

„In battle, Sirfetch’d uses the sharp stalk of its leek as a lance and the thick leaves as a shield. It maintains this leek over the span of many years and treasures it more than anything. When its leek finally withers, Sirfetch’d will leave the battlefield and retire from battling entirely.

Meteor Assault is a new move introduced in these games that only Sirfetch’d can learn! Sirfetch’d points its leek at the opponent and charges toward them at great speed. This move is devastatingly powerful! However, it appears that the move also puts great strain on Sirfetch’d. It will be unable to take action immediately after using this move.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Galarian Ponyta, the Unique Horn Pokémon (Psychic)

„Galarian Ponyta have been found in a certain forest of the Galar region since ancient times. It is said that they were exposed to the overflowing life energy of the forest over many generations, and this is why their appearance became unique in this region.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Unlike the Ponyta found in "Pokémon Red and Blue," the Galarian version has a horn like a unicorn and a sparkling mane. It's also Psychic-type instead of Fire-type.

„Galarian Ponyta can absorb the life energy of the surrounding atmosphere and store it in its mane. It seems that Ponyta’s mane will become more colorful, and even emit a sparkling glow, if there is a lot of energy around.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gigantamax Charizard (Fire/Flying)

„The flames inside its body have become stronger, and now fire erupts from its mouth and horns in addition to its tail. It seems that the strength of the flames increases when Charizard roars.

Charizard’s flames have become enhanced with Gigantamax power and now form wings on its back. These wings are hotter than magma, and Charizard can fire them off to scorch its opponents!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Polteageist, the Black Tea Pokémon (Ghost)

„Polteageist’s body is made from black tea and is said to have a very distinct aroma and flavor. It will only allow a Trainer it trusts to sample its tea. However, drinking too much can lead to indigestion or an upset stomach, so be careful!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Packs of Polteageist haunt hotels and restaurants around the Galar region, and the Pokémon packs a unique flavor.

„Many Polteageist make their homes inside hotels and restaurants, disguising themselves and hiding among the tableware. They can pour their power into leftover tea and create even more of their kind, so they’re often treated as pests.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Cramorant, the Gulp Pokémon (Flying/Water)

„When it comes to food, it will try to swallow anything it can fit in its mouth. Sometimes it will swallow things that aren’t its intended prey, spitting them out in a hurry once it realizes its mistake.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

If Cramorant uses dive or surf, it will pick up a fish to use as a weapon in battle.

„Cramorant’s Ability, Gulp Missile, is a new Ability introduced in these titles, and it can be triggered during battles. After Cramorant uses Surf or Dive, it will return with a catch in its mouth. If it takes damage while in this state, Cramorant will retaliate by spitting out its catch at the attacker!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Morpeko, the Two-Sided Pokémon (Electric/Dark)

„Morpeko constantly generates electricity with the sacs in its cheeks. This consumes energy, causing Morpeko to be constantly hungry. This is why Morpeko is always carrying around Berry seeds, protecting them with care. They serve as a snack!“

„Pokemon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Morpeko changes form when it gets hungry, converting its energy from Electric-type to Dark-type.

When experiencing prolonged hunger, the balance of hormones within Morpeko’s body changes. This causes its fur color to change and triggers more aggressive and volatile behavior. The energy stored in its cheek sacs also changes from Electric type to Dark type.

„Pokemon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gigantamax Pikachu (Electric)

„All the electricity it generates in the sacs in its cheeks is stored in its tail. In battle, it will strike opponents with its tail and send a jolt of electricity through them as great as any lightning strike!

It’s become so powerful that now it can produce enough electricity to rival a power plant! However, using this electricity to help power people’s homes seems difficult, as Pikachu can only remain Gigantamaxed for a short time.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Obstagoon, the Blocking Pokémon

„The Linoone of the Galar region live in harsh conditions compared to those found in other regions, with fierce competition against others of their species. Their survival instincts have been honed as a result, leading to their evolution into Obstagoon.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Obstagoon can use a move called Obstruct to counter incoming attacks.

„Though Obstagoon is extremely combative, it seems that it doesn’t often launch the first attack. It will taunt an opponent, goading it into attacking. When it does, Obstagoon will cross its arms and meet the oncoming attack with its Obstruct move.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Alcremie, the Cream Pokémon (Fairy)

„Alcremie can produce whipped cream, which becomes richer the happier Alcremie is feeling. Desserts made using this cream are invariably delicious, so many pastry chefs strive to have an Alcremie as their partner.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Alcremie uses its delicious cream as a defense mechanism.

„When attacked by an opponent, Alcremie will throw sweet-scented cream to distract them or temporarily blind them, giving itself time to escape. The cream it uses for this purpose has an incredibly powerful soothing effect, and any opponent that tries to eat the cream will rapidly lose the will to battle.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gigantamax Alcremie (Fairy)

„The cream pouring out of its body hardens when subjected to impacts—the stronger the impact, the harder it becomes. This gives Alcremie a truly impressive resistance to physical attacks. Additionally, the giant ‚Berry‘ decorations on Alcremie’s body are as hard as diamonds, and it’s said that most attacks won’t even be able to leave a scratch.

Alcremie will launch high-calorie cream missiles around itself to attack its opponents. Any Pokémon that touches this cream will be filled with energy and euphoria but at the same time will fall into a state of complete confusion.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Drednaw, the Bite Pokémon (Water/Rock)

„The sharp, jagged fangs of the Bite Pokémon Drednaw are strong and sharp enough to bite through rock and iron. Though it has an extremely heavy rock shell, its well-developed muscles allow it to move quickly.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Drednaw is a handful for inexperienced trainers.

„Drednaw is known to be extremely vicious, and it takes a skilled Trainer to tame and handle this Pokémon. It seems that some Trainers will release Drednaw back into the wild once they discover they can’t handle it.“

Drednaw, the Bite Pokémon, resembles a snapping turtle.

Gigantamax Drednaw (Water/Rock)

„The power of Gigantamaxing has allowed it to stand on its hind legs and become bipedal! From its standing position, it can come crashing down on opposing Pokémon and crush them with its massive body!

Drednaw normally keeps its neck retracted within its shell, but when it attacks, it can rapidly shoot its neck out. Its jaws are also incredibly strong, capable of easily biting through huge metal towers. The strength of its jaws combined with the force of its neck gives Drednaw the power to punch a hole through a rocky mountain in a single strike.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Wooloo, the Sheep Pokémon (Normal)

„The white fur that covers their bodies grows throughout their lives, and it will fully grow back in three months even if the Wooloo has been completely shorn. The fur is used for clothing and carpets and the like, and it is very popular as a specialty product of the Galar region.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Wooloo tend to avoid conflict.

„Wooloo live as a herd and mimic the actions of their Trainer or herd leader. They dislike conflict, and if they need to escape from enemies, they will simply roll away.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gossifleur, the Flowering Pokémon (Grass)

„Gossifleur prefers lands with clean water and air, and its pollen has a healing effect. Its pollen works on people, too, and it used to be a common folk medicine remedy for children of the Galar region to be given a tea made from this pollen when they fell ill.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gossifleur travels along the wind.

„Gossifleur travels over long distances by getting blown along by the wind. It controls the direction of its travels by twisting its body and petals.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Eldegoss, the Cotton Bloom Pokémon (Grass)

„When Gossifleur evolves into Eldegoss, its head becomes covered in thick cotton fluff. This cotton fluff serves as a cushion, helping to protect Eldegoss’s head from damage.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Eldegoss's seeds provide nutrition to people and Pokémon alike.

„The tiny seeds attached to the cotton fluff are said to be highly nutritious and beneficial to both people and Pokémon. Eldegoss spreads these seeds throughout the region by sending them on the wind, making the soil of the Galar region rich in nutrients.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gigantamax Butterfree (Bug/Flying)

„Its most notable feature is its blinding wings, which have grown to gigantic proportions. The light of its wings comes from their scales, which can inflict paralysis, poisoning, or sleep on its opponents. These scales are Butterfree’s most effective weapons!

Butterfree’s vast wings can stir up a wind strong enough to lift a 10-ton truck, just by flapping. This wind also scatters poisonous scales around the area, so simply being near this Pokémon is very dangerous.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Yamper, the Puppy Pokémon (Electric)

„Yamper has a tendency to be drawn to things that are moving quickly. It can chase after people and Pokémon or even go charging at vehicles!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Yamper's body crackles with electricty as it runs.

„Yamper has an organ in its body that generates electricity, and this organ is activated when Yamper runs around. Yamper can’t store the electricity it generates, so it’s often seen running around with electric sparks crackling around it.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Duraludon, the Alloy Pokémon (Steel/Dragon)

„The metal composing its body is incredibly durable but also surprisingly light. It only weighs about 88 lbs. in total. Thanks to this, Duraludon can move quite quickly in spite of its appearance. Its body is weak to corrosion, however, and is known to rust easily.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Duraludon's arms are strong enough to crush boulders.

„Duraludon live in caves and mountainous areas. Their two arms have slightly different shapes from each other, and they use these to grind down rock surfaces for food. They share their habitat with Tyranitar, and these two Pokémon are often seen battling each other in the mountains of the Galar region.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Rolycoly, the Coal Pokémon (Rock)

„Its red eye can illuminate dark areas, while it uses the lump of coal attached to its body like a wheel to move through coal mines and caves. It seems to be able to travel smoothly even over rough terrain.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Families in the Galar region once used Rolycoly to heat their homes.

„Until about one hundred years ago, every household in the Galar region had a Rolycoly. The families would use the coal that dropped off its body for cooking and heating their homes. Even in the modern day, Rolycoly is a very popular Pokémon to take for outdoor activities!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Galarian Weezing, the Poison Gas Pokémon (Poison/Fairy)

„Galarian Weezing consumes polluted air and poisonous gases for sustenance. The air and gases absorbed will have toxins removed before being spewed out again from the tops of Weezing’s heads. Apparently the air produced through this purification process is very clean!“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Though Weezing is a poison-type Pokémon, it actually inhales pollution to purify the air.

„The toxins accumulated within Weezing’s body form into concentrated poison gas clouds that leak out and drift around it. This gas is so potent that even a whiff is enough to stun and immobilize an opponent. It is Weezing’s best weapon during battles.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Gigantamax Meowth (Normal)

„Gigantamaxing has caused Meowth’s body to stretch to astounding lengths, and the coin on its head has also become massive. The giant coin can emit a torrent of Gigantamax power, filling the surrounding area with a powerful golden gleam.

Meowth loves shiny objects, and when it sees skyscrapers lined with glass, it won’t be able to resist the urge to sharpen its claws on them. This behavior can cause considerable damage, such as wearing down the exterior walls and breaking windows.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Galarian Linoone, the Rushing Pokémon (Dark/Normal)

„Galarian Linoone are rash and fearless, and they will recklessly pick fights even with opponents stronger than themselves. Their fearlessness, as well as their tendency to attack opponents head on, make Galarian Linoone very popular among the disaffected youths of the Galar region, who have nowhere to direct their frustration and anger.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Galarian Linoone's fierce attitude and aggression make it popular with angsty teens.

„Galarian Linoone can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour and can deliver devastating Tackles and Headbutts. These attacks have enough destructive force to even knock a car away, but they can also throw Linoone off balance if they miss.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Galarian Zigzagoon,

„Galarian Zigzagoon enjoy battles and will charge at people and other Pokémon in an attempt to provoke a fight. This behavior usually succeeds in starting a battle with other Pokémon, but humans tend to think Galarian Zigzagoon is just playing or showing affection. It seems to cause Galarian Zigzagoon some frustration when people don’t get angry even though it’s trying to provoke them.“

„Pokémon Sword and Shield“/Nintendo

Galarian Zigzagoon can be found all across the Galar region, and they constantly try to start fights.

„The Zigzagoon of the Galar region move about however they like and never settle down. They’re known to inhabit all areas of the region, including fields, forests, and even towns! There is some speculation that the zigzag movements of the Zigzagoon in other regions stem from the restless nature of Galarian Zigzagoon, which is considered to be the oldest branch of the species.“